Untitled Painting

Nicole has a love for both painting and metalsmithing. In her recent work, she’s exploring pair her passions by incorporating rustic metal within her paintings. “Abstract expression is the foundation. Decoration is the surface. Pulling from a place in my mind where memories are blurred and longing for the future is vague. In between remembering and perceiving there is beauty and there is angst. Layering, staining, and erasing of color, creating visual textures and landscapes that represent emotional energies. There's a mixture of serene calming moments with moments that are agitating and raw. Yet any unease in a foundation can be beautified on the surface to hide what lies beneath. The juxtaposition of using metal as the decorative element on top of painting also represents a strength and barrier to protect the internal delicacies. The concept is inspired by the idea of one’s persona internally and externally, by nature’s attractive appearance yet the power to disrupt, and from the decorative details found around the world on walls and doors of old structures where history and culture are complex on the inside while remaining beautiful and ornate on the outside.”